Phase 1: Prepare
Step 1 Warm-up recall
From M2.L3: what is split attention?
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Step 2 Learning goal
By the end of this lesson you can:
- plan timed blocks and breaks (Foundation);
- prepare the set-up to prevent interruptions (Core);
- calculate the total time of a plan (Core).
Phase 2: Teach
Step 3 A familiar example
A runner plans a long run in stages with water stops. A study session works better when it has stages and stops too.
Step 4 Clear explanation
A well-designed session works within the limits of attention and working memory. Plan in focus blocks with short breaks. The block length is a personal choice; many people start with 20 to 30 minutes, and the popular 25-minute method is a convention, not a finding. What matters is that you can hold your attention for the whole block.
| Block | Length | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Focus block 1 | 20 min | One task; phone out of reach |
| Break | 5 min | Stand, drink water; no screens |
| Focus block 2 | 20 min | Next task, or retrieval practice (Module 3) |
| Break | 5 min | Move |
| Focus block 3 | 20 min | Review and plan the next session |
The total time is 3 × 20 minutes of focus plus 2 × 5 minutes of breaks, which is 60 + 10 = 70 minutes. Prepare the set-up before you begin: phone silent and out of reach, notifications off, materials and water ready, one clear task for each block. Keep a “parking list” on paper for stray thoughts and tasks, so you can note them in seconds and return to work. Use breaks to move and rest, not to scroll, because new content competes for the same working memory you will need again. A good session ends by writing what to do next time, which removes a start-up cost. These steps all aim at reducing avoidable load, the theme of this module. The entry on working memory explains why the parking list helps.
Step 5 Worked example (4 marks)
Plan a session of 4 focus blocks of 25 minutes with 5-minute breaks between blocks. How long is it?
- Focus: 4 × 25 = 100 minutes. (1 mark)
- Breaks: 3 between 4 blocks = 15 minutes. (1 mark)
- Total: 100 + 15 = 115 minutes. (1 mark)
- Answer: 115 minutes. (1 mark)
Phase 3: Practise
Step 6 Learner practice (instant-marked)
1. A parking list is for:
It frees working memory.
2. 3 focus blocks of 20 minutes with 2 breaks of 5 minutes take:
60 + 10.
3. The best use of a short break is to:
Avoid new content that competes for attention.
4. Preparing the set-up means:
Remove avoidable load.
Phase 4: Close
Step 7 Recap
- Plan in focus blocks with short breaks.
- Prepare the set-up and keep a parking list.
- Block length is personal; the 25-minute figure is a convention.
Step 8 Exit ticket (ungraded)
Plan one session: block lengths, breaks and total time.
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Step 9 Go further (Extension)
Run your plan once and note how many times your attention broke.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it fails |
|---|---|
| Copying a block length without testing it | Find the length you can hold. |
| Using breaks for the phone | Move and rest. |
| Starting without one clear task | Name the task for each block. |
Limits. The best block length differs between people and tasks; treat the plan as an experiment (Module 8).